Millville High marching band plays on through Thunderbolts playoff victories

View full sizeStaff photo by Cathy CramerThough their competitive season has already ended, the Millville High School Marching Band continues to perform as the Thunderbolts gain victories in the playoffs, including Friday's 42-41 win over Washington Twp. in 28 degree weather. Sometimes, they'll even play songs requested by the players.

MILLVILLE — At the end of the fourth quarter, the
Thunderbolts just pulled through a close win for their second home playoff game 42-41 over Washington Twp. Friday night, though they dominated the first two quarters.

Names of Millville football players were constantly ringing
out over the speakers, including "Alquann Jones."

But behind-the-scenes, or off to the left of the players,
rather, is one of the Thunderbolts' main fuels that keep their energy levels
high.

The band.

"With Millville getting this far, it has been really good
for the band," said Rob DeSantis, director of Millville High School's marching
band. "The state playoffs have really put a lot more visibility on our band."

DeSantis has been instructing the band since 2003 and has
never seen the band this excited.

"Anytime the football team wins, it's more fun for the band
to play," DeSantis said. "It's above and beyond this year. I've got football
players coming up to me in the hallways [during school time] requesting me have
the band play a certain song during the game."

DeSantis also gave credit to the coaches.

"They're doing a great job," DeSantis said. "And they've
been very supportive of our band."

Just as DeSantis was talking to The News, the Bolts scored a
touchdown and DeSantis immediately whipped around and began conducting the band
in the energetic "Fight Song."

Once finished, it was back to watching the game.

"We've got 84 students in band this year," DeSantis said.
"That's the largest I've seen since I started."

They've also done well in competitions, garnering an 80.6
out of 100 score in their overall performances in this season's competitions. It's
the highest score DeSantis' band has received. They also walked away with an
award for "Most Improved Band" at the end of the competitive season last Saturday.

"That's a big accomplishment for our musicians."

Leading the band when DeSantis is on the sidelines are Drum
Majors Kyle Byrd and Marquis Reece.

Reece was performing in the high school's dessert theater
production Friday evening, so he couldn't make the game, leaving Byrd in
charge.

On what the football team's playoff season means for the
band, Byrd called it "exciting."

"The more they win, the more we play," the 17-year-old MSHS
junior said. "It's been a long season, and we're excited for whatever comes
next. Except for the cold weather."

And at a blistery 28 degrees in Millville Friday night, Byrd
had reason to not look forward to the cold weather.

"Even so, our team is doing great and they're playing hard
and it makes us more excited," Byrd said.

The band's theme this year is a variation on "The Planets,"
by Gustav Holst. To celebrate the theme, Byrd has given up the tradition drum
major garb, and opted for an astronaut costume.

"We're all about having fun and making music," Byrd said.

Sitting with his fellow drummers, Xavian Jackson, 17, a
senior, watched the players on the field, ready to start playing when a
touchdown was made.

Sadly for Jackson, however, the players on the field are his
teammates, but he's been benched for the rest of the season.

During the seventh game of the season against St. Augustine,
a player ran into Jackson from behind and the impact broke Jackson's leg.

"I was pretty upset about it," Jackson said. "It's my senior
year and I was so close to making it into these playoff games."

But even though Jackson is off the field, he still plays a
part.

"Now I'm just spending my time with the band, so it makes
the fact that I'm out of the game not as bad," the drummer said. "Being on the
field is fun, but being with the band is fun, too."